Cross Lake Recreation Area

For those of us living in Minnesota, a true summer escape often means heading "Up North" to the lakes country. If your ideal vacation involves sparkling waters, sandy beaches, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant community atmosphere, then Cross Lake Recreation Area in Crosslake, MN, is a destination you simply must consider. Known for its picturesque sunsets, well-maintained facilities, and a full menu of activities, this beloved spot offers everything a Minnesotan family could wish for in a campground. It's more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a hub of summer fun and a cornerstone of the charming Crosslake community.

Cross Lake Recreation Area, also officially known as the Ronald L. Cloutier Recreation Area, is celebrated by visitors for its exceptional blend of natural beauty and convenient amenities. As one delighted guest shared, "It's amazing, so fun for the kids and great community nice crosswalks and an ice cream shop and more it's amazing." This feedback perfectly encapsulates the essence of the place: a vibrant, engaging environment where both children and adults can create cherished memories. It’s a testament to how well the recreation area integrates with the welcoming small-town charm of Crosslake itself, offering easy access to local shops and eateries.

Whether you're looking to spend your days swimming, fishing, boating, or simply unwinding by the lake, Cross Lake Recreation Area provides the perfect setting. Its location on the famous Whitefish Chain of Lakes means endless opportunities for water-based activities, making it a true paradise for aquatic adventurers. The community aspect is also a significant draw for locals – the feeling of belonging to a friendly environment where neighbors are often fellow Minnesotans enjoying their summer break. Even if you're just passing through, as another visitor noted, "We didn't stay here but stopped in to see the dam. Very nice area and views. Fun to see crayfish." This highlights the area's scenic appeal and its ability to captivate even those on a brief visit.

Cross Lake Recreation Area is ideally situated at 35507 Co Rd 66, Crosslake, MN 56442, USA. This prime location places it directly on the eastern banks of Cross Lake, which is a significant part of the renowned Whitefish Chain of Lakes in Minnesota's popular Brainerd Lakes Area.

For Minnesotans, reaching Crosslake is typically a straightforward and scenic drive. From Brainerd, it's approximately 22 miles north on Crow Wing County Road 3. The campground entrance is conveniently located to the left at the intersection of County Roads 3 and 66.

Typical driving times from major Minnesota cities are:

• From Minneapolis/St. Paul: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, offering a manageable weekend trip or a longer family vacation.

• From Duluth: Approximately 2 hours.

• From St. Cloud: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Its strategic location not only provides immediate access to the expansive Whitefish Chain of Lakes (boasting 13,660 acres of water and 119 miles of shoreline) but also places guests within walking distance of the charming city of Crosslake. This proximity to local shopping, restaurants, and paved bike trails greatly enhances the convenience and appeal for visitors, allowing for both natural immersion and easy access to modern comforts. The recreation area is nestled among tall pines, offering a beautiful wooded setting while still being incredibly accessible.

Cross Lake Recreation Area is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable stay for all campers.

• Campsites: The campground features 121 campsites, including 91 with electric hookups (30 and 50 amp service available). There are also 6 tent-only sites. Sites are well-maintained and typically well-shaded. Maximum two tents or one wheeled unit plus one tent per site.

• Accessible Facilities: The campground is accessible to people with disabilities, including accessible hot shower facilities and accessible fishing docks.

• Restrooms and Showers: Clean flush toilets and hot showers are available in the campground, with two accessible hot shower facilities provided.

• Potable Water: Water hydrants are available throughout the campground.

• Dump Stations: Sanitary dump stations are on-site for RVs. A fee may apply for dump station use by non-campers.

• Boat Ramps & Beacing: Two boat ramps provide convenient access to Cross Lake, with boat beaching areas available for campers.

• Swimming Beaches: Beautiful sandy beaches are available for swimming and sunbathing.

• Playground Areas: Several playground areas provide fun and safe spaces for children to play.

• Picnic Shelters: Two picnic shelters are available, including a larger one downstream of the dam along the Pine River and a smaller one upstream. These are reservable for groups.

• Fishing Docks/Piers: Accessible fishing piers are available, providing excellent opportunities for shore fishing on both Cross Lake and the Pine River.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in campsites but must be kept on a leash (no longer than 6 feet) and attended. Owners are responsible for clean-up.

• Firewood: Only certified or approved firewood is permitted to prevent the spread of invasive pests. Certified firewood is available for purchase in the campground.

• Pay Phone: A pay phone is available for convenience.

Cross Lake Recreation Area is packed with features that make it a standout destination for Minnesotans:

• Location on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes: This is arguably its biggest draw. Being on the vast 13,660-acre Whitefish Chain provides endless opportunities for boating, fishing, waterskiing, canoeing, and kayaking across 13 interconnected lakes and 119 miles of shoreline.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With multiple playgrounds, a beautiful swimming beach, and a generally welcoming community feel, the recreation area is perfectly suited for families with children. As one reviewer mentioned, "so fun for the kids."

• Exceptional Cleanliness and Maintenance: Consistent feedback from visitors highlights the "very clean" facilities, "well-maintained campsites," and the "wonderful job of keeping this park pristine" by staff and volunteers. This dedication to upkeep ensures a pleasant experience for all.

• Proximity to Crosslake Town: The ability to walk to the city of Crosslake is a huge advantage. This means easy access to local shops, restaurants (including an ice cream shop as noted by a reviewer!), and paved bike trails, providing entertainment options beyond the campground itself.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Both Cross Lake and the Pine River offer fantastic fishing. Reviews often mention successful catches, making it a favorite spot for anglers. The accessible fishing piers cater to everyone.

• Beautiful Sunsets: The eastern bank location on Cross Lake provides "picturesque sunsets" that are a highlight for many visitors, offering stunning evening views.

• Historic Pine River Dam: The presence of the Pine River Dam, a historic structure with distinctive arched openings, offers an interesting point of interest and contributes to the area's scenic views. Seeing crayfish near the dam is also a fun natural observation for many.

As a recreation area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, direct, ongoing "promotions" in the commercial sense are uncommon. However, Cross Lake Recreation Area offers value through its established rates and accessible booking system.

• Standard Rates: Fees for campsites are set and transparent. For example, camping fees are typically $20-37 per night, depending on the site type (e.g., electric vs. non-electric). Day-use fees for the swimming beach and boat launch are nominal (e.g., $1-3 per vehicle for the beach, $3 for boat launch).

• Booking via Recreation.gov: All reservations for campsites and day-use shelters are made through Recreation.gov or by calling their toll-free number. This standardized system ensures fairness and clarity in booking.

• Potential for Fee-Free Days: Federal recreation areas occasionally participate in national fee-free days. While not guaranteed for camping, day-use fees might be waived during such events. Always check the Recreation.gov website for any federal park passes or specific site-related discounts you might qualify for.

It's important to note that while no specific "special offers" are typically advertised, the value lies in the comprehensive amenities, well-maintained facilities, and prime location offered at reasonable government-controlled rates.

To make reservations, inquire about availability, or learn more about Cross Lake Recreation Area, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 35507 Co Rd 66, Crosslake, MN 56442, USA

• Phone: (651) 290-5793 (for campground inquiries)

• Mobile Phone: +1 651-290-5793

• Reservations: Reservations must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 (TDD: 1-877-833-6777). Note that staff at Cross Lake Recreation Area do not directly make or modify reservations.

The staff and volunteers at Cross Lake Recreation Area are known for being friendly and helpful, ready to assist with any questions regarding your stay or the park's amenities.

For Minnesotans, Cross Lake Recreation Area is not just a campground; it’s an iconic piece of the "Up North" experience, perfectly tailored for families and anyone looking to fully embrace our state's incredible lake country. Its suitability for locals stems from several key aspects that resonate deeply with what we Minnesotans value in an outdoor getaway.

Firstly, its prime location on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes offers unparalleled access to some of the best boating, fishing, and swimming our state has to offer. This vast interconnected water system means endless exploration right from your campsite. We know the joy of a perfect day on the lake, and Cross Lake Recreation Area puts you right in the heart of it.

Secondly, the campground's reputation for being "amazing, so fun for the kids and great community" speaks directly to the needs of Minnesota families. With accessible playgrounds, beautiful sandy beaches, and clean facilities, it provides a safe and engaging environment where children can thrive outdoors, creating those invaluable childhood summer memories. The presence of an ice cream shop nearby, as noted by a reviewer, is just the cherry on top of a perfect family vacation.

Lastly, the meticulously maintained sites and amenities, along with the friendly and helpful staff and volunteers, ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience. The ability to walk into the charming town of Crosslake for additional dining, shopping, or to explore paved bike trails means you get the best of both worlds: a peaceful natural retreat with convenient access to community comforts. For Minnesotans seeking a well-rounded, family-oriented, and authentically "Up North" camping adventure, Cross Lake Recreation Area is undoubtedly a top choice, promising cherished moments and a true escape.